The selection of Mr. Abraham Lincoln as the successor of
gr. Buchanan has not taken anybody by surprise. It is, however, one of those facts entitled to be called great ; for Mr. Lincoln has carried the entire North, except New Jersey. This is the most " sectional " demonstration made since the Union sprang into existence. It is the declaration of independence by the North, and never would have occurred had not the Democrats com- mitted almost inconceivable follies. The next striking fact in the election is the vote of the Central States for Mr. Bell. It is doubtful whether he has carried all those states set down in the returns, but he has certainly carried enough to make the dis- unionists of the South aware that they dare not persevere with their projects. The talk of disunion runs high, but there will be little beyond speeches and resolutions. The bulk of the Demo- cratic strength in the South was polled for Mr. Breckinridge, who is a purely Democratic candidate. Mr. Douglas, who seceded from his party, and opposed the present Administration, has been practically unnoticed by the electors. Mr. Lincoln, it is assumed, and on good grounds, will pursue an essentially Conservative policy when he comes into office in May, 1861. He stands between the fire-eating Slave-owners and the fire-eating Abolitionists, and he will probably have the support of the Union men who voted for Bell, if he is pressed by either or both.
